﻿NAIIS reveals progress in ending HIV epidemic – Survey

The Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) has revealed that Nigeria had fewer people living with Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) than previously estimated.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Embassy of the United States: “The survey was conducted by the Government of Nigeria, with the support of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S.Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and other development partners, with technical assistance from the CDC.”

The survey further stated that the new national HIV prevalence measure is estimated at 1.4% and is more accurate than those previously conducted, as it is based on an expanded surveillance system and a revised and enhanced methodology.

The statement noted that President Muhammadu Buhari formally unveiled the findings of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) and launched the Revised National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework 2019-2021, which will form the future response to the country’s epidemic.

It read: “The NAIIS revealed the Nigeria had fewer people living with HIV than previously estimated. The new national HIV prevalence measure is estimated at 1.4% and is more accurate than those previously conducted, as it is based on an expanded surveillance system and a revised and enhanced methodology.

“The survey was conducted by the Government of Nigeria, with the support of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and other development partners, with technical assistance from the CDC.

“It was one of the largest population-based HIV/AIDS household survey in the world. NAIIS directly measured HIV prevalence and viral load suppression, allowing Nigeria to focus on providing services to the areas with the greatest need to control the HIV epidemic.

The statement quoted U.S. Embassy Charge d’affaires, David J. Young, to have said: “The Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey represents an extraordinary example of what can be achieved by working together.”

He also said: “the US Government looks forward to increased Government of Nigeria ownership and investment in the HIV response to ensure sustainability.”

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